French President Emmanuel Macron has proposed expanding the international coalition formed to combat ISIL to include the fight against Hamas, the Palestinian group.
In a press conference held in Jerusalem on Tuesday with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Macron expressed “solidarity” following a deadly attack by Hamas on October 7. He stated that France and Israel share a common enemy in the fight against terrorism and are ready to combat Hamas alongside their ongoing operations against ISIL in Iraq and Syria.
Macron’s visit comes after more than two weeks following the Hamas attack, which resulted in the deaths of over 1,400 individuals, mostly civilians including 30 French citizens. In response, Israel has launched airstrikes on Gaza, resulting in the deaths of over 5,000 Palestinians, primarily women and children, and is preparing for a ground invasion of the blockaded territory.
Netanyahu emphasized that the war against Hamas will persist and that no one will live under their tyranny once the fighting is over.
Pursuing a Genuine Peace Process
Macron’s visit to Israel is part of a series of visits by Western leaders, including those from the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, and Italy. He is also expected to meet with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah to achieve “concrete and positive” outcomes, as stated by Al Jazeera’s Alan Fisher in occupied East Jerusalem.
Macron arrives with a four-point plan, which he believes to be highly practical:
- Preventing further escalation
- Securing the release of remaining captives in Gaza
- Ensuring Israel’s guaranteed security
- Working towards a two-state solution
According to the French news agency AFP, Macron’s office stated ahead of the visit that the president would call for the protection of the civilian population in Gaza amidst the ongoing bombardment and the resumption of a genuine peace process for the establishment of a Palestinian state.
Macron will urge a humanitarian truce to allow essential aid into Gaza, where the 2.3 million inhabitants have been deprived of basic necessities such as water, food, electricity, and fuel due to the Israeli blockade, as reported by the Elysee Palace to AFP.
Release of All Hostages
Hamas took over 200 people hostage during the October 7 attack, and while some have been released, seven French citizens are still missing and confirmed to be hostages of Hamas, according to the French foreign ministry.
After meeting with President Isaac Herzog, Macron called for the release of all hostages, emphasizing that playing with the lives of children, adults, and civilians is an abhorrent crime. He emphasized the need to fight this campaign without exacerbating the conflict.
During his visit to Tel Aviv, Macron met with the families of French and French-Israeli nationals who were killed or are being held hostage.
Furthermore, Macron aims to work towards avoiding a dangerous escalation in the region, as the fighting between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon intensifies. He will propose relaunching a genuine peace process and seek regional support for Israel’s security in exchange for the creation of a viable Palestinian state.
Additionally, Macron is expected to travel to Lebanon and Egypt, as reported by the French newspaper Le Parisien, citing diplomatic sources.
Meanwhile, Qatar’s Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani warned that the escalating conflict in Gaza poses a threat not only to the region but also to the world. He urged an end to the fighting, emphasizing that Israel should not be allowed to kill unconditionally.
In Rome, Italian President Sergio Mattarella emphasized the importance of preventing the escalation of violence and finding a peaceful solution in the region.
On Sunday, the leaders of the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and Britain expressed their support for Israel’s right to self-defense while urging adherence to international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians.
